Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-06-16
She Proposed.


Minlon, with all her millions, and ask |
ing her to present him with a slice of
her income, frightened him and made
him miserable.
Kate seemed rather fond of Jack, but
when she fought him lukewarm lover
she amused herself with flirting with an
empty-head earl who happened TO be
social lion lust then. She fiirted so
assiduously that the nobleman at last
prosposed' and she gave him q very
cool reply: fD,;nd
it,s the only thing like about youl
that Iill accept you on one condition, and
that is. that II 1 find, during our en-
Ga0ement, can't stand your nonsense,
You'll let nae off easily"
He agreed, so she returned discon-
tentedly to the house, determined to
startle Jack into some acknowledgment
of her power by the announcement OF
her engagement. She found him in the
picture gallery, fast asleep.
ISuch a romantic situation" she o..
served. as he awoke, just in time to-
rescue his best sketch of her from the
flames.
She said:
UWbat do YOU think / have done to-
day. Mr.. Henderson? / have engaged
myself to be married"
Jack started visibly, but he only said:
"Well, / am heartily glad. This will
nut an end to the army of martyrs VINO
are continually fiinging themselves be-
meath your chariot wheels. Who Is
the happy man?" :,
WThe Earl of Noreleigh."
81 Won anI1l6 NOT MARRY
such a noodle"
HSirrJ exclaimed Kate.
uT beg pardon; but, surely, now,
woman of your age-I believe you're
3O-would have to much sense to ac-
cent that noodle of a boy. Even though
he can give YOU title, pity you-up-
on nv soul do; for, as l live, believe
you'll shoot him ere the honeymoon is
ended"
With hot cheeks and indignant eyes
Kate flew from the room in such rage
that. as her maid said, it was as much
as ones place was worth to dare even
to sneeze before her.
A few days later ball was given in
honor of the distinguished betrothal;
and at its close a fearful scene, which
afterward became matter of history in
those paTtS lOT kcACi CioUioh, tOoh P''NNS'
Kate Minton's robe caught fire, and
she fringed by flame, flew about amid
the crowd like firebrand.
Her noble lover shrank from her wild
despair with fear, while she, in agony,
rushed into the conservatory, where
Jack was making a moonlight sketch.
"Save me! save me. Jack shrieked
Kate Minton. .-
In a few short seconds his manly
arms and ready will subdued all dan
ger, and she lay, a painting, painful
wreck, upon his honest breast.
No need to doubt then the fervor of
his love, as in agonizing entreaty he
called her from the gate of death to life
by the pure strength of his devotion,
and she, poor, weary heart heard and
4 few weeks later, looking very weak
and ill, she tottered into the studio and
said, with eyes downcast and lips which
auivered like timid child's:
'Please, Jack, will you have the
goodness to marry me? You know, you
saved my life, so tits yours, and if you
refuse really don't see what l can do
with it. MY only employment of late
has been rsatng he earl foy who he has
DTOtGU 1cuuycOH AVA hS ASesA
ly is far from fair to see when out of
temper; and, oh, Jack! he was jest out of
temper when told him / was coming
to ask you to marry me-" ~
Jack had stood spellbound while she
spoke; now he came forward, and TAX
ing her hands in his said in a tone Of
surprised emotion:
tDo you know what you are saying,
Kate? is this some cruel just to try
my patience? Before Heaven, would
rather die than you would sport of my
deep devotion for you; for do loveyou,
but am so poor, my sweet, L never
dared hope to win you"
"Jack, would you take me if said
came with no other fortune than my
true love?"
"Could 1, Kate? Try me, my darl'
ing"
A sudden, glad light sprang into his
fine eyes. 1t was not that he did not
find money enjoyable-who does not!
But the blessed hope came to him that
he might benefit his wife instead of she
him. So too quickly the fire died out
of his eyes as she answered, strangely
moved by his glad look:
mo, Jack, cannot try you, but
heaven will, for riches are but sent as
trust from heaven in bondage to hell
Dearest, we'll share life's duties to.
gether, and in them you will forget you
were ever Jack of Clubs"